"The little-known secrets behind the men & women who shaped America"

Where There's a (Celebrity) Will, There's a Way

By Paul Niemann

[March 20, 2008]  I, Paul Dominic Niemann, being of sound mind, do hereby present to you some of the items found in the wills of several famous people. Wills, unlike living trusts, become public after the person dies, and they sometimes offer a glimpse into what a person was really like.

It is up to you to solve the identity of each person. Here, then, are clues that contain a few relevant tidbits, followed by the answers.

1. Born in Baltimore, Md., in 1895, future baseball star George was known for his generosity as well as his success as a ballplayer. This larger-than-life athlete grew up in an institutional home for underprivileged boys, so it's no surprise that he stipulated in his will that 10 percent of his money go to support a foundation that he established in his name for destitute children.

Here's another clue: Fellow baseball star Tris Speaker once remarked, in what may have been the most inaccurate prediction in baseball history, that George "made a grave mistake when he gave up pitching."

Answer: George Herman "Babe" Ruth

2. Born in Tupelo, Miss., in 1935, he would become the IRS' largest individual taxpayer in his lifetime. He had an identical twin brother who died at birth, and he grew up as an only child.

He starred in 33 movies during his career, but it was his singing that made him a household name -- a person who needed only his first name. He is the only person elected to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Hall of Fame, and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He also earned a black belt in karate in 1960.

The official cause of his death was an overdose of prescription drugs. His father had the complete autopsy report sealed until 2027, which will be 50 years after his death. He left most of his estate to his family.

Answer: Elvis Aaron Presley

3. Born in Port Arthur, Texas, in 1943, this 1960s era singer wrote several hit songs that are still being played today. She died way too young at age 27, but she sure knew how to take care of her friends after she was gone, even that McGee fellow. She allotted $2,500 in her will to pay for a posthumous party for 200 guests. She used better judgment for the rest of her estate, which she left to her parents.

Answer: Janis Lyn Joplin

4. Last one: This talented magician was born in Budapest, Hungary, in 1874 as Erik Weisz. He took a stage name after immigrating to America, and he once made his brother Theo disappear. (Theo worked with him onstage until Erik replaced him with his new bride, Bess.)

The magician formerly known as Erik could escape just about anything, but he couldn't escape death. In his will, he stated that he wanted his rabbits left to his friends' children. What rabbits? The rabbits that he pulled out of his hat as part of his magic act. He also left his wife a secret code of 10 words that he would use to contact her from the great beyond. She held séances on Halloween every year for 10 years, but was never able to contact him.

Answer: Harry Houdini

And, yes, my middle name really is Dominic.

[By PAUL NIEMANN]

Paul Niemann may be reached at [e-mail].

Copyright Paul Niemann 2008

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